The number of measles cases has reached the highest level in the United States since the virus was declared eliminated in 2000. This is truly a cause for serious alarm. The unnecessary suffering, the broadening risk to many Americans, and the burden the disease is placing on our health care system are all the more distressing because measles is preventable. In fact, measles was declared eliminated because of successful vaccination efforts. We are committed to working collaboratively to address the clear and present danger that public hesitancy toward vaccines now presents.  

Public health officials should be supported in unambiguously communicating that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is extremely safe and effective, and we urge our professional colleagues to share evidence-based information on the safety and efficacy of vaccines within their communities. We support the recommendations for routine vaccination in children to prevent further spread of the virus. Below is a list of National Academies resources to inform these efforts.  

Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences  

Tsu-Jae Liu
President, National Academy of Engineering  

Victor J. Dzau
President, National Academy of Medicine

• National Academy of Medicine website on key facts about measles and how it can be prevented

• Recording of a recent webinar hosted by NAM on the state of the current measles outbreak

• “Based on Science” articles on why vitamin A does not prevent measles and that the best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated; on vaccine safety and effectiveness in general; and on the fact that vaccines do not cause autism

• See our full collection of reports on vaccines